WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to revitalize neighborhoods in East Providence and provide more Rhode Islanders with safe and affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the city will receive over $815,000 in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Senator Reed helped provide these funds in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was approved by the U.S. Senate earlier this year.

The City of East Providence may use this federal funding to help expand affordable housing; make improvements to the local fire station, a senior center, and a public park; and support public service programs such as the Boys and Girls Club.

"Community Development Block Grants have been overwhelmingly successful in revitalizing neighborhoods and spurring economic development. This federal infusion of $815,000 will help the City of East Providence address a wide range of community development needs by supporting homeownership and economic development projects, providing social services, and upgrading public facilities," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who helped secure nearly $800,000 in CDBG funding for East Providence in 2008.

The CDBG program provides local municipalities with a flexible source of federal funding to address a wide range of neighborhood development needs. The money may be used for capital-improvement projects or distributed to non-profit organizations that benefit the community.